Linn-Mar's Dakota Digmann (right) looks for the sack on Dubuque Senior's Austin Clemens during their game Aug. 30 in Dubuque. The Rams are off to a 3-0 start. (Jessica Reilly/Dubuque Telegraph Herald)

Editor’s note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you’d like to join The Gazette’s growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Chase Lynn, Dubuque Senior junior

DUBUQUE – Coming into his second year as Dubuque Senior High head football coach, Dale Ploessl and his players have raised the expectations.

“We are physically and mentally better and they have been working really hard in the off season,” Ploessl said.

According to BCMooreRankings.com, the Rams have not had a winning season in more than 14 years. The coach of that team was Pat Murphy, who has returned to help coach the Rams with former head coach Mike Wulfekuhle.

“They both have a lot of previous experience and have worked with the program before,” Ploessl said.

The Rams, who are sporting new uniforms this year from Under Armor, are led on the offensive by junior first-year starting quarterback Austin Clemens.

“I don’t let things bother me too much,” Clemens said. “I just take one play at a time.”

On the other side of the ball, the Rams are led by senior linebacker Streat Hoerner.

“I make sure everyone keeps focused and I get them pumped up to play,” Hoerner said.

The Rams have three major goals for this season.

“We expect to win city, have a winning season and make the playoffs,” Ploessl said.

To help them accomplish these goals, the Rams will use their strong team bond and key players.

“Everyone contributes,” Ploessl said. “The seniors are really great leaders. Guys like, Alex Duster, Mitch McElmeel, Streat Hoerner, Keegan Gallery and Austin Clemens have a lot of experience that’ll really help this team.”

The Rams are 3-0 after Friday’s win over Wahlert. They host Cedar Rapids Kennedy (0-3) this Friday.

The Rams clearly appear on their way to reaching their goals.